@virginiamiller.bsky.social
Pantera de Oro Cask Strength Extra Añejo was founded by drink industry vets Scott Baird & Craig Demko. Extra Añejo tends to be a tequila category I don’t love, often masking agave plants.
But I feel differently about this one. In my Distiller Mag column: distilling.com/distillermag...
But I feel differently about this one. In my Distiller Mag column: distilling.com/distillermag...
December 20, 2025 at 5:30 AM
Pantera de Oro Cask Strength Extra Añejo was founded by drink industry vets Scott Baird & Craig Demko. Extra Añejo tends to be a tequila category I don’t love, often masking agave plants.
But I feel differently about this one. In my Distiller Mag column: distilling.com/distillermag...
But I feel differently about this one. In my Distiller Mag column: distilling.com/distillermag...
#RestaurantBathrooms: Michelin-starred The Progress is all natural woods and greenery... until you get into that dichotomous glittery, peachy-pink bathroom.
December 19, 2025 at 11:14 PM
#RestaurantBathrooms: Michelin-starred The Progress is all natural woods and greenery... until you get into that dichotomous glittery, peachy-pink bathroom.
Campy Christmas fun, Castro-style, at Deck the Halls Bar pop-up, daily until 12/28 in the iconic former Cafe Flore.
Though open nightly, I tried all-you-can-eat brunch buffet (Fri-Sun), digging brandy-based Nut Nog + Yellow Snow Slushy (rum, lemon, celery).
www.deckthehallsbar.com
Though open nightly, I tried all-you-can-eat brunch buffet (Fri-Sun), digging brandy-based Nut Nog + Yellow Snow Slushy (rum, lemon, celery).
www.deckthehallsbar.com
December 19, 2025 at 5:17 PM
Campy Christmas fun, Castro-style, at Deck the Halls Bar pop-up, daily until 12/28 in the iconic former Cafe Flore.
Though open nightly, I tried all-you-can-eat brunch buffet (Fri-Sun), digging brandy-based Nut Nog + Yellow Snow Slushy (rum, lemon, celery).
www.deckthehallsbar.com
Though open nightly, I tried all-you-can-eat brunch buffet (Fri-Sun), digging brandy-based Nut Nog + Yellow Snow Slushy (rum, lemon, celery).
www.deckthehallsbar.com
2) Lucky Oakland now has those slushies — from the guy who was one of the nation’s greatest Chartreuse ambassadors long before the monk-made liqueur was on allocation. Schmidt's crudo & fish-heavy menu at Sirene wins (fried chicken & fish!) The new Sirene: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
December 19, 2025 at 5:01 PM
2) Lucky Oakland now has those slushies — from the guy who was one of the nation’s greatest Chartreuse ambassadors long before the monk-made liqueur was on allocation. Schmidt's crudo & fish-heavy menu at Sirene wins (fried chicken & fish!) The new Sirene: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
1) Sommelier Paul Einbund & chef Gavin Schmidt’s James Beard-nominated The Morris_sf is an SF treasure for cult fave smoked duck+Einbund’s unparalleled selection of rare Chartreuse, genepy/i, Madeira, vermouth, small production wines. Don’t get me started on their iconic Chartreuse slushies.
December 19, 2025 at 4:58 PM
1) Sommelier Paul Einbund & chef Gavin Schmidt’s James Beard-nominated The Morris_sf is an SF treasure for cult fave smoked duck+Einbund’s unparalleled selection of rare Chartreuse, genepy/i, Madeira, vermouth, small production wines. Don’t get me started on their iconic Chartreuse slushies.
At Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants' Humo Negro, try the Cyborg (Mezcal Union, Don Julio Reposado tequila, chile liqueur, red tree tomato, grapefruit, furikake), or the lighter, vegetal (Hendricks Gin, sake, cucumber, wasabi, tonic).
In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
December 19, 2025 at 7:33 AM
At Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants' Humo Negro, try the Cyborg (Mezcal Union, Don Julio Reposado tequila, chile liqueur, red tree tomato, grapefruit, furikake), or the lighter, vegetal (Hendricks Gin, sake, cucumber, wasabi, tonic).
In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
A fun new gig... I'm now writing for Resy with my monthly recommends and editor's picks in SF:
blog.resy.com/author/virgi...
blog.resy.com/author/virgi...
December 18, 2025 at 6:08 PM
A fun new gig... I'm now writing for Resy with my monthly recommends and editor's picks in SF:
blog.resy.com/author/virgi...
blog.resy.com/author/virgi...
At sommelier Paul Einbund & chef Gavin Schmidt’s (of SF's The Morris) new Sirene, the draw is seafood, incl. creative shellfish charcuterie. Oh, this alpine-scented gravlax, cured in sugar, salt, fennel, basil, anise, Green Chartreuse & Elixir végétal (!!)
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
December 18, 2025 at 5:40 PM
At sommelier Paul Einbund & chef Gavin Schmidt’s (of SF's The Morris) new Sirene, the draw is seafood, incl. creative shellfish charcuterie. Oh, this alpine-scented gravlax, cured in sugar, salt, fennel, basil, anise, Green Chartreuse & Elixir végétal (!!)
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
Alchemist #CPH is theater, art & edible joy. A dramaturge consulted on building drama over a 6hr feast, whether scooping cherry meringue lamb’s brain mousse out of a head mold or lobster roll in cornstarch vodka bread claw form with horseradish tomato dip: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
December 17, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Alchemist #CPH is theater, art & edible joy. A dramaturge consulted on building drama over a 6hr feast, whether scooping cherry meringue lamb’s brain mousse out of a head mold or lobster roll in cornstarch vodka bread claw form with horseradish tomato dip: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
2) Licensed to Dill is vegetal-frothy w/ Greek yogurt, apricot eau de vie, aquavit, dill, lime. Eye of the Beholder is lightly creamy: green olive liqueur, vanilla, condensed milk, cream, sea salt , olive oil.
Where to eat in the Bay Area Peninsula: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
Where to eat in the Bay Area Peninsula: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
December 17, 2025 at 5:43 AM
2) Licensed to Dill is vegetal-frothy w/ Greek yogurt, apricot eau de vie, aquavit, dill, lime. Eye of the Beholder is lightly creamy: green olive liqueur, vanilla, condensed milk, cream, sea salt , olive oil.
Where to eat in the Bay Area Peninsula: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
Where to eat in the Bay Area Peninsula: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/where-to-e...
1) With the Paper Plane Group behind Eos & Nyx #SanJose, cocktails are one of the most notable elements, thanks to co-owners Dan Phan, George Lahlouh & Johnny Wang’s pioneering cocktail artistry in SJ.
Out of 6 cocktails tried, 2 best coincidentally lean creamy:
Out of 6 cocktails tried, 2 best coincidentally lean creamy:
December 17, 2025 at 5:43 AM
1) With the Paper Plane Group behind Eos & Nyx #SanJose, cocktails are one of the most notable elements, thanks to co-owners Dan Phan, George Lahlouh & Johnny Wang’s pioneering cocktail artistry in SJ.
Out of 6 cocktails tried, 2 best coincidentally lean creamy:
Out of 6 cocktails tried, 2 best coincidentally lean creamy:
Hell, yeah: Shuggies's Cacio e Pepe Pillow, doughy comfort doused in egg yolk stracciatella, black pepper & grana padano. Save room for Bon Bon Handy, peanut butter chocolate bon bon served in diners’ hands w/ a dash of glitter.
Restaurants that are FUN:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
Restaurants that are FUN:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
December 16, 2025 at 5:19 PM
Hell, yeah: Shuggies's Cacio e Pepe Pillow, doughy comfort doused in egg yolk stracciatella, black pepper & grana padano. Save room for Bon Bon Handy, peanut butter chocolate bon bon served in diners’ hands w/ a dash of glitter.
Restaurants that are FUN:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
Restaurants that are FUN:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey Double Irish Cream Liqueur is a new import from Ireland that's blessedly whiskey-forward, claiming “eight times more whiskey than leading Irish Cream brands." My Distiller Magazine review:
distilling.com/distillermag...
(Photo Courtesy of Two Stacks Whiskey)
distilling.com/distillermag...
(Photo Courtesy of Two Stacks Whiskey)
December 16, 2025 at 3:59 AM
Two Stacks Irish Whiskey Double Irish Cream Liqueur is a new import from Ireland that's blessedly whiskey-forward, claiming “eight times more whiskey than leading Irish Cream brands." My Distiller Magazine review:
distilling.com/distillermag...
(Photo Courtesy of Two Stacks Whiskey)
distilling.com/distillermag...
(Photo Courtesy of Two Stacks Whiskey)
Cozy by the fireplace working — with journaling peppered in + walks among oaks, redwoods, mountains — at sweet friends' 1885 Napa winery. Blissful winter workdays.
(It's a beautiful, family-owned winery when in Napa for Sonoma Coast Pinot, Napa Cabernet, Grenache, Viognier: Whetstone Wine Cellars).
(It's a beautiful, family-owned winery when in Napa for Sonoma Coast Pinot, Napa Cabernet, Grenache, Viognier: Whetstone Wine Cellars).
December 16, 2025 at 12:59 AM
Cozy by the fireplace working — with journaling peppered in + walks among oaks, redwoods, mountains — at sweet friends' 1885 Napa winery. Blissful winter workdays.
(It's a beautiful, family-owned winery when in Napa for Sonoma Coast Pinot, Napa Cabernet, Grenache, Viognier: Whetstone Wine Cellars).
(It's a beautiful, family-owned winery when in Napa for Sonoma Coast Pinot, Napa Cabernet, Grenache, Viognier: Whetstone Wine Cellars).
Eater describes it as Cheesecake Factory & nightclub on steroids. Andrés Carne de Res' lively OG #Chia restaurant pops since 1982.
Traditional Colombian dishes, roving bands & doggy day care, I was glad I got this cultural touchstone. In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
Traditional Colombian dishes, roving bands & doggy day care, I was glad I got this cultural touchstone. In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
December 15, 2025 at 7:20 PM
Eater describes it as Cheesecake Factory & nightclub on steroids. Andrés Carne de Res' lively OG #Chia restaurant pops since 1982.
Traditional Colombian dishes, roving bands & doggy day care, I was glad I got this cultural touchstone. In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
Traditional Colombian dishes, roving bands & doggy day care, I was glad I got this cultural touchstone. In my Bogota guide:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
When there's many years (in this case, seven) between visiting a country/city, it becomes all the more apparent how much it has grown and evolved. My latest guide on where to eat, drink and stay in Bogota, Colombia:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
December 14, 2025 at 5:58 PM
When there's many years (in this case, seven) between visiting a country/city, it becomes all the more apparent how much it has grown and evolved. My latest guide on where to eat, drink and stay in Bogota, Colombia:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
In October 2025, FUJI Whisky debuted a new single malt Japanese Whisky in over 20 U.S. states, ideal for holiday gifts... my review in Distiller Magazine:
distilling.com/.../new-rele...
distilling.com/.../new-rele...
December 14, 2025 at 6:45 AM
In October 2025, FUJI Whisky debuted a new single malt Japanese Whisky in over 20 U.S. states, ideal for holiday gifts... my review in Distiller Magazine:
distilling.com/.../new-rele...
distilling.com/.../new-rele...
On my return to Bogota, I went back to Harry Sasson, writing about it in 2018. This beloved 30yr spot from chef Harry, has garnered Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants acclaim, including the Icon Award in 2024.
Standout dishes+drink in my Bogota guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
Standout dishes+drink in my Bogota guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
December 13, 2025 at 7:11 PM
On my return to Bogota, I went back to Harry Sasson, writing about it in 2018. This beloved 30yr spot from chef Harry, has garnered Latin America's 50 Best Restaurants acclaim, including the Icon Award in 2024.
Standout dishes+drink in my Bogota guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
Standout dishes+drink in my Bogota guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
Restaurant bathrooms can be one of the most memorable elements of the experience, whether offering an unexpected hit of humor or design, like this gorgeous wallpaper in The Happy Crane #SF restroom.
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/sf-is-domi...
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/sf-is-domi...
December 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Restaurant bathrooms can be one of the most memorable elements of the experience, whether offering an unexpected hit of humor or design, like this gorgeous wallpaper in The Happy Crane #SF restroom.
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/sf-is-domi...
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/sf-is-domi...
Flying home is always the sweetest feeling. When I cross those magnificent Sierras & know I've entered blessed California. When hashtag #Grateful is appropriate.
Growing up in 4 states, never thought I'd feel one was home. San Francisco & NorCal are deep home for one with a strong sense of place.
Growing up in 4 states, never thought I'd feel one was home. San Francisco & NorCal are deep home for one with a strong sense of place.
December 12, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Flying home is always the sweetest feeling. When I cross those magnificent Sierras & know I've entered blessed California. When hashtag #Grateful is appropriate.
Growing up in 4 states, never thought I'd feel one was home. San Francisco & NorCal are deep home for one with a strong sense of place.
Growing up in 4 states, never thought I'd feel one was home. San Francisco & NorCal are deep home for one with a strong sense of place.
2) This cozy bar charms, from half moon bar to intimate upstairs cigar lounge to sunny, lofty downstairs alcove under skylights.
My review of Bar Continental & other standout bars, restaurants and cultural touchpoints (poetry, music) in Bogota, Colombia: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
My review of Bar Continental & other standout bars, restaurants and cultural touchpoints (poetry, music) in Bogota, Colombia: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
December 12, 2025 at 8:27 PM
2) This cozy bar charms, from half moon bar to intimate upstairs cigar lounge to sunny, lofty downstairs alcove under skylights.
My review of Bar Continental & other standout bars, restaurants and cultural touchpoints (poetry, music) in Bogota, Colombia: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
My review of Bar Continental & other standout bars, restaurants and cultural touchpoints (poetry, music) in Bogota, Colombia: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bogotas-gi...
1) Do you know about viche? Bar Continental Ron & Son is a haven for viche, the sugarcane spirit of Colombia, which became legal in the country in 2021 despite ancestral history. It’s grassy, funky, fresh, much like my beloved rhum agricole from Martinique or clairin from Haiti.
December 12, 2025 at 8:25 PM
1) Do you know about viche? Bar Continental Ron & Son is a haven for viche, the sugarcane spirit of Colombia, which became legal in the country in 2021 despite ancestral history. It’s grassy, funky, fresh, much like my beloved rhum agricole from Martinique or clairin from Haiti.
Pastrami on the brain... “Blazing Saddles” & other fun films on the wall, Reubens, pastrami on rye, potato salad doused in dill, sesame & The Caviar Co wild salmon roe.
Super Mensch is 1 of 4 (mostly) new restaurants bringing the fun back into dining out:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
Super Mensch is 1 of 4 (mostly) new restaurants bringing the fun back into dining out:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
December 12, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Pastrami on the brain... “Blazing Saddles” & other fun films on the wall, Reubens, pastrami on rye, potato salad doused in dill, sesame & The Caviar Co wild salmon roe.
Super Mensch is 1 of 4 (mostly) new restaurants bringing the fun back into dining out:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
Super Mensch is 1 of 4 (mostly) new restaurants bringing the fun back into dining out:
virginiamiller.substack.com/p/bay-area-d...
Worked hard in all-day meetings in Philly+ate well. Revisiting John's Roast Pork theperfectspotsf.com/2016/06/01/f... confirms how Philly's Dennis Cantwell improved upon it @ Palm City SF www.thebolditalic.com/tbis-top-12-new-restaurants-of-2021. Also confirms John's (still) makes my #1 cheesesteak.
December 11, 2025 at 7:27 PM
Worked hard in all-day meetings in Philly+ate well. Revisiting John's Roast Pork theperfectspotsf.com/2016/06/01/f... confirms how Philly's Dennis Cantwell improved upon it @ Palm City SF www.thebolditalic.com/tbis-top-12-new-restaurants-of-2021. Also confirms John's (still) makes my #1 cheesesteak.
2)... fairytales— is all-encompassing, mesmerizing, unforgettable.
(Here with my amazing compatriot and fellow 50 Best Academy Chair, @xantheclay.bsky.social).
When I fell in love Copenhagen, Alchemist & more in my CPH guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
(Here with my amazing compatriot and fellow 50 Best Academy Chair, @xantheclay.bsky.social).
When I fell in love Copenhagen, Alchemist & more in my CPH guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
December 11, 2025 at 4:46 PM
2)... fairytales— is all-encompassing, mesmerizing, unforgettable.
(Here with my amazing compatriot and fellow 50 Best Academy Chair, @xantheclay.bsky.social).
When I fell in love Copenhagen, Alchemist & more in my CPH guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...
(Here with my amazing compatriot and fellow 50 Best Academy Chair, @xantheclay.bsky.social).
When I fell in love Copenhagen, Alchemist & more in my CPH guide: virginiamiller.substack.com/p/copenhagen...